Two-band superconductors: Extended Ginzburg-Landau formalism by a systematic expansion in small deviation from the critical temperature

We derive the extended Ginzburg-Landau (GL) formalism for a clean s-wave two-band superconductor by employing a systematic expansion of the free-energy functional and the corresponding matrix gap equation in powers of the small deviation from the critical temperature tau = 1-T/T_c. The two lowest orders of this expansion produce the equation for T_c and the GL theory. It is shown that in agreement with previous studies, the two-band GL theory maps onto the single-band GL model and thus fails to describe the difference in the spatial profiles of the two band condensates. We prove that except for some very special cases, this difference appears already in the leading correction to the GL theory, which constitutes the extended GL formalism. We derive linear differential equations that determine the leading corrections to the band order parameters and magnetic field, discuss the validity of these equations, and consider examples of an important interplay between the band condensates. Finally, we present numerical results for the thermodynamic critical magnetic field and temperature-dependent band gaps (at zero field), which are in a very good agreement with those obtained from the full BCS approach in a wide temperature range. To this end, we emphasize the advantages of our extended GL theory in comparison with the often used two-component GL-like model based on an unreconstructed two-band generalization of the Gor'kov derivation

Imprint of Inhomogeneous Reionization on the Power Spectrum of Galaxy Surveys at High Redshifts

We consider the effects of inhomogeneous reionization on the distribution of galaxies at high redshifts. Modulation of the formation process of the ionizing sources by large scale density modes makes reionization inhomogeneous and introduces a spread to the reionization times of different regions with the same size. After sources photo-ionize and heat these regions to a temperature \ga 10^4K at different times, their temperatures evolve as the ionized intergalactic medium (IGM) expands. The varying IGM temperature makes the minimum mass of galaxies spatially non-uniform with a fluctuation amplitude that increases towards small scales. These scale-dependent fluctuations modify the shape of the power spectrum of low-mass galaxies at high redshifts in a way that depends on the history of reionization. The resulting distortion of the primordial power spectrum is significantly larger than changes associated with uncertainties in the inflationary parameters, such as the spectral index of the scalar power spectrum or the running of the spectral index. Future surveys of high-redshift galaxies will offer a new probe of the thermal history of the IGM but might have a more limited scope in constraining inflation.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, replaced to match version accepted by Ap

Research Strategies in the Study of the Pro-Oxidant Nature of Polyphenol Nutraceuticals

Polyphenols of phytochemicals are thought to exhibit chemopreventive effects against cancer. These plant-derived antioxidant polyphenols have a dual nature, also acting as pro-oxidants, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), and causing oxidative stress. When studying the overall cytotoxicity of polyphenols, research strategies need to distinguish the cytotoxic component derived from the polyphenol per se from that derived from the generated ROS. Such strategies include (a) identifying hallmarks of oxidative damage, such as depletion of intracellular glutathione and lipid peroxidation, (b) classical manipulations, such as polyphenol exposures in the absence and presence of antioxidant enzymes (i.e., catalase and superoxide dismutase) and of antioxidants (e.g., glutathione and N-acetylcysteine) and cotreatments with glutathione depleters, and (c) more recent manipulations, such as divalent cobalt and pyruvate to scavenge ROS. Attention also must be directed to the influence of iron and copper ions and to the level of polyphenols, which mediate oxidative stress

Inhibition of Poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase enhances the toxicity of 131I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine/Topotecan combination therapy to cells and xenografts that express the noradrenaline transporter

Targeted radiotherapy using [131I]meta-iodobenzylguanidine ([131I]MIBG) has produced remissions in some neuroblastoma patients. We previously reported that combining [131I]MIBG with the topoisomerase I (Topo-I) inhibitor topotecan induced long-term DNA damage and supra-additive toxicity to NAT-expressing cells and xenografts. This combination treatment is undergoing clinical evaluation. This present study investigated the potential of PARP-1 inhibition, in vitro and in vivo, to further enhance [131I]MIBG/topotecan efficacy

Consistency relation for the Lorentz invariant single-field inflation

In this paper we compute the sizes of equilateral and orthogonal shape bispectrum for the general Lorentz invariant single-field inflation. The stability of field theory implies a non-negative square of sound speed which leads to a consistency relation between the sizes of orthogonal and equilateral shape bispectrum, namely $f_{NL}^{orth.}\lesssim -0.054 f_{NL}^{equil.}$. In particular, for the single-field Dirac-Born-Infeld (DBI) inflation, the consistency relation becomes $f_{NL}^{orth.}\simeq 0.070 f_{NL}^{equil.}\lesssim 0$. These consistency relations are also valid in the mixed scenario where the quantum fluctuations of some other light scalar fields contribute to a part of total curvature perturbation on the super-horizon scale and may generate a local form bispectrum. A distinguishing prediction of the mixed scenario is $\tau_{NL}^{loc.}>({6\over 5}f_{NL}^{loc.})^2$. Comparing these consistency relations to WMAP 7yr data, there is still a big room for the Lorentz invariant inflation, but DBI inflation has been disfavored at more than 68% CL.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures; v2: title changed, some mistakes corrected; v3: refs added, version accepted for publication in JCA

Предпосевная обработка семян - эффективный прием защиты всходов растений от цистообразующих нематод

Objective of research: The study of seed treatment with pesticides as one of the ways of protection of the initial phases of growth and development of plants from phytophagous complex including cyst forming nematodes. Materials and methods: The research material contained soil samples, plants, eggs, larvae, imago, and cysts nematodes. Field experiments were conducted in 2007- 2016 in Kiev and Chernigov regions of Ukraine. Preparation of temporary and permanent slides, determination of species composition of nematodes were carried out by standard methods. Field studies were conducted to investigate the biological effects of protectants on potatoes, sugar-beet and grain crops. The efficacy of metabolic biopreparations Avercom, Avercom nova-2, Violar and Phytovit based on ethanol extract from biomass of soil streptomyces (Streptomyces аvermitilis UKM AC-2179, S. netropsis UKM AC -2186, S. violaceus UKM AC -2191) was studied. The above mentioned biopreparations were used both for the pre-sowing treatment of Pekinese cabbage seeds and during the vegetation period of plants. Results and discussion: Pre-sowing treatment of seed and planting material with modern disinfectants permitted for use ensures different protection levels of the initial phases of growth and development of plants not only from pests and diseases, but also from phytoparasitic nematodes. It should be pointed out that staying in a toxic area does not always lead to the death of nematodes; a certain part of the population entered into the temporary diapause induced by toxic substances. It’s also proved that in addition to a direct toxic action, the disinfectants also have disorientation and repellent properties against nematodes. Nowadays the perspective metabolic drugs are Avercom, Avercom nova-2, Violar and Phytovit based on ethanol extract from biomass of soil streptomyces. We have determined high biological effectiveness (68,3-90,2%) of these drugs against beet cyst nematode.Цель исследования - изучение влияния предпосевной обработки семян пестицидами как одного из способов защиты начальных фаз роста и развития растений от комплекса фитофагов, в том числе и цистообразующих нематод. Материалы и методы. Материалом исследований были образцы почвы, растений, яйца, личинки, взрослые особи, цисты нематоды. Полевые опыты проводили в 2007-2016 гг. в Киевской и Черниговской областях Украины. Изготовление временных и постоянных препаратов, определение видового состава нематод осуществляли в соответствии с общепринятыми методиками. В полевых условиях изучена биологическая эффективность протравителей на зерновых колосовых, картофеле и свекле. Изучена эффективность метаболитных препаратов аверком, аверком нова-2, виолар и фитовит на основе этанольных экстрактов из биомассы почвенных стрептомицетов (Streptomyces avermitilis УКМ Ас-2179, S. netropsis УКМ Ас-2186, S. violaceus УКМ Ас-2191). Перечисленные биопрепараты применяли как для предпосевной обработки семян пекинской капусты, так и в период вегетации растений. Результаты и обсуждение. Предпосевная обработка семенного и посадочного материала современными, разрешенными к применению, протравителями, обеспечивает в разной степени защиту начальных фаз роста и развития растений не только от вредителей и болезней, но и от фитопаразитических нематод. Отмечено, что пребывание в токсической зоне не всегда приводит к гибели нематод. Определенная часть популяции впадала во временную диапаузу, индуцированную токсичными веществами. Доказано также, что кроме прямого токсического действия, протравители проявляют также дезориентирующие и репеллентные свойства против нематод. Перспективными метаболитными препаратами являются аверком, аверком нова-2, виолар и фитовит, полученные на основе этанольных экстрактов из биомассы почвенных стрептомицетов. Установлена высокая биологическая эффективность (68,3-90,2 %) указанных препаратов против свекловичной цистообразующей нематоды

Measuring the 3D Clustering of Undetected Galaxies Through Cross Correlation of their Cumulative Flux Fluctuations from Multiple Spectral Lines

We discuss a method for detecting the emission from high redshift galaxies by cross correlating flux fluctuations from multiple spectral lines. If one can fit and subtract away the continuum emission with a smooth function of frequency, the remaining signal contains fluctuations of flux with frequency and angle from line emitting galaxies. Over a particular small range of observed frequencies, these fluctuations will originate from sources corresponding to a series of different redshifts, one for each emission line. It is possible to statistically isolate the fluctuations at a particular redshift by cross correlating emission originating from the same redshift, but in different emission lines. This technique will allow detection of clustering fluctuations from the faintest galaxies which individually cannot be detected, but which contribute substantially to the total signal due to their large numbers. We describe these fluctuations quantitatively through the line cross power spectrum. As an example of a particular application of this technique, we calculate the signal-to-noise ratio for a measurement of the cross power spectrum of the OI(63 micron) and OIII(52 micron) fine structure lines with the proposed Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics. We find that the cross power spectrum can be measured beyond a redshift of z=8. Such observations could constrain the evolution of the metallicity, bias, and duty cycle of faint galaxies at high redshifts and may also be sensitive to the reionization history through its effect on the minimum mass of galaxies. As another example, we consider the cross power spectrum of CO line emission measured with a large ground based telescope like CCAT and 21-cm radiation originating from hydrogen in galaxies after reionization with an interferometer similar in scale to MWA, but optimized for post-reionization redshifts.Comment: 21 pages, 6 figures; Replaced with version accepted by JCAP; Added an example of cross correlating CO line emission and 21cm line emission from galaxies after reionizatio

Constraints on planet X/Nemesis from Solar System's inner dynamics

We put full 3D constraints on a putative planet X by using the dynamics of the inner planets of the solar system. In particular, we compute the mimium distance of X as a function of its heliocentric latitude and longitude for different values of its mass.Comment: LaTex, MNRAS macros. 12 pages, 4 figures, 3 tables. To appear in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS). Some typos fixe

Differential cargo mobilisation within Weibel-Palade bodies after transient fusion with the plasma membrane.

Inflammatory chemokines can be selectively released from Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs) during kiss-and-run exocytosis. Such selectivity may arise from molecular size filtering by the fusion pore, however differential intra-WPB cargo re-mobilisation following fusion-induced structural changes within the WPB may also contribute to this process. To determine whether WPB cargo molecules are differentially re-mobilised, we applied FRAP to residual post-fusion WPB structures formed after transient exocytosis in which some or all of the fluorescent cargo was retained. Transient fusion resulted in WPB collapse from a rod to a spheroid shape accompanied by substantial swelling (>2 times by surface area) and membrane mixing between the WPB and plasma membranes. Post-fusion WPBs supported cumulative WPB exocytosis. To quantify diffusion inside rounded organelles we developed a method of FRAP analysis based on image moments. FRAP analysis showed that von Willebrand factor-EGFP (VWF-EGFP) and the VWF-propolypeptide-EGFP (Pro-EGFP) were immobile in post-fusion WPBs. Because Eotaxin-3-EGFP and ssEGFP (small soluble cargo proteins) were largely depleted from post-fusion WPBs, we studied these molecules in cells preincubated in the weak base NH4Cl which caused WPB alkalinisation and rounding similar to that produced by plasma membrane fusion. In these cells we found a dramatic increase in mobilities of Eotaxin-3-EGFP and ssEGFP that exceeded the resolution of our method (∼ 2.4 µm2/s mean). In contrast, the membrane mobilities of EGFP-CD63 and EGFP-Rab27A in post-fusion WPBs were unchanged, while P-selectin-EGFP acquired mobility. Our data suggest that selective re-mobilisation of chemokines during transient fusion contributes to selective chemokine secretion during transient WPB exocytosis. Selective secretion provides a mechanism to regulate intravascular inflammatory processes with reduced risk of thrombosis